Beauty salon employees face unique on-the-job injury risks ranging from frequent chemical exposure, wet or slippery floors, and routine handling of sharp instruments. To keep employees healthy and safe, business owners need to know and respect salon regulations for health and safety and have workers’ compensation insurance coverage in the event someone gets hurt or sick on the job. Common beauty salon issues:

• Slips, trips and falls – According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the majority of general industry accidents come from slips, trips and falls. In a busy salon, floors can be slippery from spilled hair products, splashed water, dirt and un-swept hair clippings. Employees should be encouraged to wipe up spills immediately and sweep up around workstations after finishing with each client. Anti-skid mats next to shampoo stations can make floors less slippery and employees should be encouraged to wear closed-toe, anti-skid footwear.

• Carpal Tunnel syndrome and repetitive motion injuries– Hair stylists may be at increased risk for ailments including muscle strain and Carpal Tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive nature of their work. Common causes of Carpal Tunnel can include work stress and repeated use of vibrating hand tools. Following proper ergonomics and taking stretch breaks throughout the day can help mitigate risk for stylists.

• Sharp objects, salon sanitation practices – Barbers and stylists work with scissors and razors, potentially putting them and customers at risk for cuts and puncture wounds. Establish clear safety rules for handling these tools, including proper cleaning and disposal procedures. Tools should be properly sanitized after use with each client to avoid spreading diseases and infections. This means thoroughly washing, drying and then immersing tools in a wet sanitizer, or even using an autoclave. Electrical tools should be disinfected with a spray and then wiped down. Any gloves, capes or towels used on the client should be sanitized or discarded. When service is completed, chairs, furniture and working surfaces should be wiped down with disinfectant.